Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders
Released May 2019
A thrilling point-and-click adventure game where you play as Di Renjie, ancient China's most famous and gifted investigator, as he tracks a serial killer in the heart of the Tang Dynasty's capital city.
88% positive · 1,293 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $2.52 $10.99 −77%
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Evaluation
Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders is a completed point-and-click adventure game that originally launched on May 1, 2019. The game shipped as a self-contained narrative experience, and its post-launch activity has been limited to quality-of-life patches and supplementary content (a soundtrack DLC in July 2019 and an art book DLC in September 2020), both of which have been released.
On September 1, 2025, the developer released Version 2.0 — a substantial technical update that backported improvements from console versions to Steam, including UI/UX enhancements, drag-and-drop inventory, a Detective Vision hotspot button, an auto-save system, and Steam Deck optimizations. Importantly, the developer was explicit that these changes "do not impact the story or the core gameplay." This update represents the game reaching its most polished form, not new story content.
Also on September 1, 2025, the developer announced a Kickstarter campaign to adapt The Silk Rose Murders as a novel, and teased a sequel game called The Midnight Kingdom. These are separate projects — the novel is a new medium adaptation, and the sequel is a new game — not additional content for this title. The developer's 2021 anniversary post similarly teased future ambitions, and the September 2025 posts confirm those were pointing toward these external projects rather than additional DLC for the existing game.
All released DLC (soundtrack and art book) have shipped. No unreleased DLC is listed on the store. The developer has not announced any additional content for this game. The Version 2.0 update on September 1, 2025 represents the definitive, complete state of the game.
Evidence
Version 2.0 released, backporting console improvements to Steam. Developer explicitly states changes do not affect story or core gameplay — this is the 'latest and greatest' version of the game.
Developer announces a Kickstarter to adapt the game as a novel and teases a sequel game called The Midnight Kingdom. These are separate projects, not DLC for this game.
Content
2 of 2 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Nupixo Games
Achievements
10
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player
About this game
REVIEWS
“Nupixo’s debut offering Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders is a brilliant introduction to one of ancient China’s most famous investigators that does just about everything right.”- Adventure Gamers - 4.5/5
“A no-brainer to pick up for anyone looking for a cerebral and emotional murder mystery.”
- DarkStation - 4/5
“The story will pull you in almost right away, and there’s no denying how beautiful the pixel graphics are and how well-written the dialogue is.”
- GameSpew
THE STORY
Amid lingering political turmoil, the first and only female empress of China, Wu Zetian rises to power. Within months of her ascension to the throne, murmurs of discontentment and revolution swell as detractors and enemies begin plotting against her. It is against this backdrop that our protagonist, newly appointed investigating magistrate Di Renjie, must solve a gruesome series of murders--which will lead him on a collision course with the Imperial Court and the empress herself.
Will our young detective overcome his own inner demons and his allegiance to the previous emperor? What is the connection between the murder victims and the capital's many political secrets? YOU must uncover the truth...
GAMEPLAY
Playing as the legendary detective, players will explore this unique setting and unravel its narrative twists and turns using familiar adventure gameplay mechanics such as exploration, dialogue choices, interaction with objects and clues, and puzzle-solving. Additionally, we are introducing an original mechanic where you will be able to deduct and reenact the scene of a crime and put your theories to the test.
The pixel art style of the game is also an homage to old school graphics, but we've added our own visual signature and design sensibilities. The game contains over 45 locations (many spanning multiple screen widths), each one pixel-painted with care and attention to detail.
FEATURES
- Distinct 2D pixel art style
- Immersive story-driven experience dripping with historical atmosphere
- Challenging and fun puzzles to solve
- Unique Chinese cultural and historical references
- Fantastic soundtrack with 13 original tracks
- Multiple language support: English and Chinese
- Windows and Mac support
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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